Christians are to be a reflection of Jesus and His love. Christian Faith and works of love are measures of ones love and commitment to Christ.
It is our works, actions, and lifestyle that reveal our faith in Jesus. Good works will not earn eternity in Heaven, Jesus did that on the cross.
The meaning of the New Testament faith and works is to have faith in Christ and to do good acts of love as directed by the New Testament writers.
The Christian life should consist of both, faith, and Works. Works of love reveal the presence of the Holy Spirit in one's life.
"For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." (Jas 2:26;18-19).
Jesus said, "...For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required...," (Luke:12;48).
A short time after His resurrection Jesus returned to Heaven and is now seated to the right hand, God, but He has promised that one day He will return.
In the "Parable of the Talents" Jesus likened His temporary return to Heaven, to that of a man who had traveled to a far country and left his stewards in charge.
When the man returned each of His servants were either compensated or condemned for the way they had handled their responsibilities. According to this parable, Jesus' Followers will be rewarded according to their good works, (Matt 25:14-29).
James used the following example of how faith and works are intertwined:
"If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit...," (Jas 2:15-17).
Lip service has no value; it is our works of love, (our actions) that indicate our faith in Jesus.
Our works of love are to be a light to the world. Jesus despised pious acts and deceptions. He said, "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them," (Matt 7:20).
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 TIM 2:15)
Jesus did not condemn the people for their inability to live up to all of God's commandments; He knew that was impossible for them, it was their hypocrisy and pretensions to do so that He would not accept.
Do your actions say that you are trusting in Jesus, that, if necessary, you are willing to lay down your life for your faith in Him?
I encourage you to hold fast to your faith and allow the Holy Spirit to do His good works through you as an expression of His love, and someday, as Jesus said to the faithful servant, you will hear,
"...Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord," (Matt 25:21).
Samuel Mills
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Why is it so difficult for our educators and society, in general, to understand that love and respect for one another taught from a young age can solve much of the world's hostility and social problems!
"Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it" (Prov 22:6).
Love is the answer!
True loyalty springs from the heart and is wrapped in love. It is often in our most private moments that true loyalty, or the lack of it, is made known.
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Samuel L Mills
PO Box 4456
Maryville, TN 37802